In a fresh twist to Manchester City’s summer transfer plans, the club is reportedly on the verge of agreeing personal terms with AC Milan midfielder Tijjani Reijnders, according to multiple Italian and English sources. This move signals a strategic pivot following City’s withdrawal from the race to sign Bayer Leverkusen’s Florian Wirtz.
🧠 Who Is Tijjani Reijnders?
The 25-year-old Dutch international has quickly risen in prominence since joining AC Milan from AZ Alkmaar in 2023. Known for his technical elegance, vision, and positional intelligence, Reijnders has become a key figure in Milan’s midfield, playing both as a deep-lying playmaker and a more advanced No. 8.
In the 2024/25 Serie A season, he’s made 41 appearances, contributing 6 goals and 9 assists, and has drawn praise for his consistency, tactical maturity, and versatility—three qualities highly valued by Pep Guardiola.
🤝 Nearing a Deal
Negotiations between Reijnders’ representatives and Manchester City are said to be progressing smoothly, with only minor details remaining before personal terms are finalized. Reports suggest:
- A five-year contract is being discussed
- Wages would place him among City’s mid-tier earners, showing a well-balanced and financially smart acquisition
- AC Milan are aware of City’s interest but have yet to receive an official bid
City are expected to table an initial offer in the coming days, likely in the range of €45–€55 million, depending on performance-based bonuses.
🧩 Why Reijnders Fits the System
With Kevin De Bruyne set to depart and questions lingering over Kalvin Phillips and Mateo Kovacic’s future, Manchester City need midfield reinforcements who can slot into Guardiola’s high-possession, high-intensity game plan.
Reijnders offers:
- Two-footed passing range
- Comfort in tight spaces
- Ability to transition quickly from defense to attack
- High football IQ and composure under pressure
He’s seen as a potential Ilkay Gündogan-style figure, capable of dictating tempo and contributing in both halves of the pitch.
🔍 Guardiola’s Approval
Sources close to the club suggest Pep Guardiola has given his green light, having closely tracked Reijnders since his AZ Alkmaar days. His adaptability and professionalism make him a Guardiola-type player—disciplined, intelligent, and low-profile.
🗣️ What’s Being Said
Football insider Fabrizio Romano recently hinted:
“Tijjani Reijnders is a name to watch. City admire him, and talks over personal terms are well advanced. A move depends now on Milan’s valuation and willingness to negotiate.”
🚨 What Happens Next?
- Finalizing personal terms is expected within the week
- Formal bid from City likely before the June transfer window officially opens
- Milan’s stance will be crucial—while they value Reijnders highly, a big offer may be difficult to turn down amid their own squad rebuild
🧠 Final Word
Manchester City may be shifting away from big-name, high-price transfers this summer—and the pursuit of Tijjani Reijnders reflects that. Instead of star power, the focus is on intelligent, plug-and-play talent who can grow within the system and offer immediate tactical value.
Reijnders may not make headlines like De Bruyne or Wirtz, but if the deal goes through, he could turn out to be one of the smartest midfield signings of the Guardiola era.